View of the Lakefront in Morges in the 18th Century
Published in different editions between 1770 and 1786
With over 400 beautifully produced engravings, Baron de Zurlauben’s “Tableaux de la Suisse” is one of the most complete and beautiful books on Switzerland ever produced. The project was supported by Jean Benjamin de Laborde (1734 – 1794), a lieutenant general in the French army, and a favorite of Louis XV, and the Swiss General and military historian Baron von Zurlauben. The principal author, Zurlauben (1720 – 1799), had studied history with Jean Rollin in Paris and was a general of the “Schweizergard” (Swiss Guards) who protected French Royalty.
The full title of the work is: Tableaux De La Suisse, Ou Voyage Pittoresque Fait Dans Les Treize Cantons Et Etats Allies Du Corps Helvetique : Représentant les divers Phénomenes que la nature y rassemble, & les beautés dont l’art les enrichis; suivis de la description topographique, physique, historique, morale, politique & littéraire de ce Pays Par M. le Baron De ZurLauben.
Beautiful original 18th Century copperplate engraving entitled “Vue d’une Fabrique a Morges Sur Le Lac de Geneve. (View of the Factory at Morges on Lake Geneva). The scene most likely represents the trading and port activities around a Tannery on the banks of Lake Geneva (Lac Leman). According to the Morges tourist office, “leatherworkers played a major part in the economy of Morges during the 15th and 16th centuries, and the tanners followed in their footsteps from the early 18th century onwards.” There is still a Rue des Tanneurs in the district near the lake that attracted these craftsmen.
Dimensions: 24 x 18 (platemark size)
Condition: Some light spotting and toning, primarily in the outer margins.
